End Of Session Update

Dear Friends,
The legislative session has come and gone. It was a very fast paced session with very little time to slow down.

I was very disappointed with some parts of the session, while very pleased with others. For
highlights please read the back side.

It remains an honor and a privilege to serve as your state senator. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns

Bonding Bill Brings Much Needed Investment
This year’s bonding provided much needed funds for our district. A local project in Alexandria which I introduced to the legislature acquired funds to redevelop the old Jefferson High School. This project will be vital to brining jobs and business into the Alexandria area.

Another important issue that was addressed the Minnesota Security Hospital. This hospital houses Minnesota’s sex offenders and mentally ill. This facility, which was in total disrepair, will receive funds that will allow for a safe working environment for the folks that deal with these people on a daily basis.

That being said, I wish the DFL leadership would have included even more funding for our roads and bridges. It is time we made substantial investments into our state’s infrastructure.

5% Campaign Succeeds!
This year the legislature approved an increase in funding to pay the folks who take care of our elderly and vulnerable. The bill gathered broad bipartisan support.

This bill which I voted in favor of was the first pay increase in a very long time for people who really deserve it.

Second Amendment Holds Strong!
This year there were also no major attacks on our Second Amendment freedoms. After the year that we experienced last year with continued assaults from the metro DFL, this was great to see. The Second Amendment’s presence in the halls of your Capitol is very strong indeed.

Much Needed Tax Relief Approved!
Republicans and Democrats worked together this session to repeal mistakes that were
made in the 2013 “over taxation” session; when Democrats raised taxes over $2.1 billion. Reforms were made to repeal harmful taxes to individuals, families, farmers and businesses. I fully supported repealing these taxes, even though I wish more cuts would have been included.

Concerns on New Senate Office Building
This session I introduced legislation to repeal a new 76 million dollar Senate Office Building.
This building which was approved in the 2013 tax bill had only one Republican vote. My main concern revolves around the misguided priorities the supporters of this bill have, for instance the $76 million could have gone to funding firefighters, teachers or even nursing homes. We could have taken that money and invested it into our roads and bridges, not extravagant offices for politicians.